Bath & Bristol Christmas Markets

DAY 1 - MEET IN BRISTOL Our tour begins in Bristol, an exciting city in which fine Victorian and Georgian buildings happily co-exist with thoroughly contemporary architecture and where world-class attractions, landmarks and entertainment can be found at every turn. Here your Tour Manager meets you at the 4-Star Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel, and after settling in, we transfer by coach to the city's atmospheric Christmas Market. Bedecked with sparkling lights, the market reflects the style of its Bavarian counterparts, and includes a Nativity display and a giant Advent calendar, in addition to wooden stalls selling gifts and traditional German food and drink. Later we return by coach to the hotel, where we enjoy dinner together this evening. DAY 2 - BATH AND ITS CHRISTMAS MARKET After a leisurely start, we travel by rail to the Georgian city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On arrival we enjoy a guided tour, including the striking Pulteney Bridge, King's Circus and of course the glorious Royal Crescent. After our tour you are free. Perhaps visit the famous baths, sample the buns in Sally Lunn's Tearoom, one of Bath's oldest houses dating back to the 15th century, admire the Grand Pump Room, familiar from the Jane Austen novel, Northanger Abbey, or take a stroll along the Royal Crescent. Perhaps visit Number 1 Royal Crescent, a town house which has been restored to its 18th century appearance. The Christmas Market is also one of the highlights at this time of year, with 140 stalls offering tasty treats and a range of gift ideas. Later we return to Bristol by rail, dining at the hotel this evening. DAY 3 - THE AVON VALLEY RAILWAY AND LACOCK We head to Bitton by coach, to join the heritage Avon Valley Railway for a journey through the charming wintry scenery, with a festive mince pie during the steam-hauled trip*. Later we visit Lacock, an idyllic medieval village of stone cottages and crooked lanes, untouched by modern development; here there are no phone masts or electric streetlights. Many period dramas, such as the BBC series of Pride & Prejudice and Cranford, were filmed here. Your time in Lacock is yours to spend as you wish. Our visit includes entry to Lacock Abbey which is decorated for Christmas. Its ornate cloisters are a delight to discover. We then return to Bristol by coach, where you are free to dine out this evening. *Steam-hauled services used wherever possible. DAY 4 - HOMEWARD BOUND This morning our tour concludes, and you are free to depart at your leisure. PLEASE NOTE Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.